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Colorado
6.8 mi
Distance
1,343 ft
Gain
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Pike and San Isabel National Forests
3 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
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Why you'll love it
Ute
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
The Ute Trail is a 7.8 mile out-and-back hike located in Colorado near the town of Colorado. Managed by the Gunnison Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, this trail gains 1,343 feet in elevation. The moderate elevation gain is distributed across the route, making it suitable for hikers with basic fitness levels. The out-and-back format allows you to turn around at any point if desired, giving flexibility to adjust the hike based on time and energy. This trail offers access to the San Juan National Forest, one of Colorado's largest national forests spanning over two million acres. The Gunnison Ranger District manages multiple trails and recreational areas across a diverse landscape of peaks, valleys, and alpine terrain. Before heading out, check current conditions with the Gunnison Ranger District, as trail maintenance and accessibility can vary seasonally. Bring plenty of water, a map, and weather-appropriate gear. The San Juan region experiences significant weather changes, particularly in higher elevations, so prepare accordingly.
Zapata
~2 min drive
3.7 mi · Hard
Lily Lake
~2 min drive
6.6 mi · Easy
Raspberry
~9 min drive
7.1 mi · Moderate
Mosca Pass
~13 min drive
<p>Just above the dunefield are forests of aspen, pine, fir, and spruce. The easiest hiking access to forest in the national park is in Mosca Pass, on the Montville Nature Trail and Mosca Pass Trail. On these trails, you are walking in the footsteps of Pleistocene mammoth hunt…
High Dune on First Ridge
~15 min drive
The high dune on the first ridge is neither the highest in elevation nor the tallest in the dunefield, but it looks that way from the main parking lot. This is the most common destination in the dunefield, providing a great view of the entire dunefield. It is about 692 feet (2…
Star Dune
~17 min drive
Star Dune is currently tied with Hidden Dune as the two tallest dunes in North America. It is a majestic dune now measuring 741 feet (225 m) from base to summit. While it can be hiked from the summit of High Dune on First Ridge, it's more direct, and less up and down, to acces…
Hidden Dune
~19 min drive
Hidden Dune is currently tied with Star Dune as the two tallest dunes in North America at 741 feet/225 m. Hidden Dune is named for its remote location in the dunefield, where it is not visible from most of the main visitor day use areas. It is even hidden from much of the high…
Sand Creek Basin
~37 min drive
<p>Sand Creek Basin is part of the alpine watershed of Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. A longer drive and hike is required to reach these lakes and peaks, but the mountain scenery is worth the effort. Check with a ranger for conditions before travel. Snow may block these t…
Dikes
~47 min drive
6.6 mi · Hard
Blue
~49 min drive
10 mi · Expert
